Starter: What do you understand by the term 'seasonality' in relation to retail?

Stretch & Challenge: How could it change the behavior of UK retailers?

Lesson title: Seasonality

Lesson objectives:> I can explain the meaning of 'seasonality' for retailers

> I have identified three ways retailers can be affected by seasonality

> I have evaluated a situation derived from seasonality for a given retailer and made justified recommendations for how I would respond if I were the owner or manager

Key term: Seasonality refers to the different seasons, calendar events such as religious celebrations and special events including public holidays that retailers need to be aware of.

Seasonality needs to be planned for by retailers as it can affect them in the following ways:> Staffing> Opening Hours> Promotions> Product Range> Health and Safety> Customer Types> Services Provided> Customer expectations

Watch the video showing the affect panic buying brought on by a forecast of snow had an ASDA.

Individual question: What do you think retailers do to prevent situations like this for occurring?

Stretch & Challenge: Can this be prevented or is it more a case of damage control?

Individual task: How will seasonality affect your business?

Consider how seasonality would affect you as the owner or manager of one of the business scenarios listed below. You must consider the following:> Three changes your would make (3 marks)> An explanation for why each change was made (3 marks)> Evaluate what would happen if you did not make those changes (3 marks)

Scenario 1: You are the owner of an ice-cream parlor located in London, the date is the 1st of September.

Scenario 2: You manage a hardware store, specializing in cleaning products. Easter is two weeks away.

Scenario 3: You own a butchers, the August bank holiday is approaching and sunshine has been forecast

Scenario 4: You are the manager of a cinema, the school summer holiday is about to start and you have three new Blockbuster films about to be released.

Stretch & challenge: It is important to also keep your customers in mind. Create a sign or poster that will 'add value' to your store. It is to be displaced at the moment in time that your scenario indicates, and you are not allowed to make any special offers or discounts!